Two more great gatherings!

August 14 was a special day for Lincoln County Democrats. Sheila Hogan, Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party; Mary Caferro, Helena House Representative; and Maddy Appelbaum, Blue Bench Project Director, Montana Democratic Party, were the dignitaries who travelled to Libby and then Eureka to meet, greet and discuss.

The Eureka event, which took place at the pavilion near the Fairgrounds, had a fabulous turnout. Forty Democrats and like-minded individuals took turns introducing themselves. It turns out that many are volunteers working for Tobacco Valley nonprofits.

Sheila Hogan encouraged the crowd to support our declared candidates, Jon Tester and Monica Tranel. She also congratulated us on our turnout (40!) and praised the Central Committees for being the backbone of the Democratic Party.

Mary Caferro shared her legislative experience, acknowledging that it was lonely in Helena during the 2023 Montana Legislature with a super Republican majority and only corporate lobbyists roaming Capitol Hill. She said that the saving grace was hearing from Democratic constituents across the state via email, text, and zoom. The increase in provider rates from nursing homes and rural clinics would not have happened without this support. And none of the counterproductive changes to the Constitution occurred in large part because of constituent outcry.

The Libby event also featured a respectable turnout (almost 20) and focused on discussion of the recent property tax increase. Sheila Hogan said she'd send out a half-page explanation on the tax increase and the state's budgeting process. Folks also talked about public land access, hunting regulations, and education. Again, Sheila emphasized what a difference constituent input had made during the recent legislative session.

Mary Caferro reminded us that we can be most effective by presenting the positive and pointing out what Democrats stand FOR.

Maddy Appelbaum described the ways that the State Blue Bench is supporting local candidates and County Central Committees, including providing opportunities to meet virtually (check out the Signal chat group and monthly zoom meetings as well as the monthly Democratic Book Club).

Mary Caferro also explained that she is the Letters to the Editor coordinator at the State office when the legislature is not in session, and she encouraged anyone who would like to write to be in touch with her (mary@montanademocrats.org)

Stay tuned for more such events!